Call Number:

BC006MF

Repository:

Temple University Libraries: Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection

Extent:

11.4 linear feet (19 boxes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Muriel L. Feelings Collection, BC006, Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Date:

1915-2010 (inclusive)

Creator:

Feelings, Muriel L.

Abstract:

Muriel Feelings was born Muriel Grey on July 31, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Both of Muriel's parents appreciated Art and Education, and though Muriel's mother was not formally educated, Muriel received her strongest influence from her mother, who eventually self-taught from the books that gradually filled her home. Upon her completion of high school, Muriel went on to attend the Philadelphia College of Art, and moved to California a year later with her mother and sister. There, she attended the California State University of Los Angeles., graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Art and a minor in Spanish and Education.

Following graduation, Feelings started teaching at a junior high school in Philadelphia. After working in Philadelphia, Muriel moved to New York and taught in the city's public school system for several years. When political upheaval laid itself upon the United States, Muriel found herself wanting to serve in Africa, away from political entities. While in New York, Muriel met Malcolm X, a black nationalist who further convinced her that Africa is where she wanted to be. Accepting X's post-nation Islam message, Feelings committed herself to the Organization of Afro-American Unity. This organization worked to unite and fight against white oppression. Muriel's interest in traveling to Africa deepened after meeting United Nations workers who were associated with a mission to Uganda. She soon served in Africa after considering how critical it was for black American culture to embrace their heritage.

From 1966-1968, Feelings taught Art at a boy's school in Kampala, Uganda. There, she drew inspirations for her books from her surroundings, as well as the learning experiences she gained from her students. Feelings became immersed with the culture and inspired by her heritage as she traveled throughout Africa. When she moved back to New York in 1968, Muriel rekindled an old flame with artist/illustrator Tom Feelings; later the two wed in 1969. Tom suggested to Muriel that she write a children's book, of which he would illustrate. Muriel created her first children's book in 1970, Zamani Goes to Market, which was inspired by her visit in Kenya.

After the birth of their son, Zamani (whose name means "infinite" in Swahili), Muriel and Tom moved to Guyana, South America. There, Muriel collaborated on her second book with her husband, Moja Means One: A Swahili Counting Book. Widely accepted by critics, the book went on to win the Randolph Caldecott Medal in 1972. While in Guyana, Muriel also served as an Art teacher and teacher trainer for 2 years. She also served as an Editor and writer for the Guyana Government Textbook Project of the Ministry of Education. After moving back to New York, Muriel had another son, Kamili. In 1974, the Feelings published another children's literature book, Jambo Means Hello: A Swahili Alphabet Book, which was also reviewed very well and appeared in Best Books and Recommended Literature lists. Both Moja and Jambo were Caldecott Honor Books, and both received awards from the Pennsylvania State Library Association (PSLA) and the American Library Association Notable Books in 1972.

After a divorce in 1974, Muriel soon retired and remained out of the public eye. She busied herself working on programs that exposed new works by black artists and writers to the public. She also conducted workshops on children's literature, and Africa culture and language. From 1981-1986, Feelings was the Director of Education at the Afro-American Historical & Cultural Museum in Philadelphia, PA (known today as the African American Museum in Philadelphia). In 1986, Muriel served as Director to the Pan-African Studies Community Education Program at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. In addition to serving as Director, Muriel was also a Lecturer on African American Children's Literature/Folklore in the African American Studies Department at Temple University.

The Muriel Feelings Collection houses a variety of print media materials. The materials are divided into 12 series. The collection includes video recordings and audio cassettes, a myriad of documents, posters, drawings, and paintings. Ms. Feelings has also received numerous awards, most of which can be found in Series 4. Some of Ms. Feelings' personal items, such as photographs, can also be viewed in Series 10.

This collection is arranged into 12 series as follows:

Series 1: Video Recordings and Audio Cassettes, 1965-2000, undated
Series 2: Magazines, 1978-2010, undated
Series 3: Documents, 1994-2001, undated
Series 4: Awards, 1974-2001, undated
Series 5: Photographs, 1971-2005, undated
Series 6: John T. Harris' Paintings and Drawings, 1915-1997, undated
Series 7: Posters and Newspaper Clippings, 1984-2001, undated
Series 8: Correspondence, 1957-2007, undated
Series 9: Sound Recordings, 1963-1989, undated
Series 10: Photographs, various dates
Series 11: John T. Harris Awards and Certificates, 1979-1980, undated
Series 12: Paintings, undated